Great North Walk: Patonga to Wondabyne Station via Mt Wondabyne

This walk explores some grand views, pleasant cascades, varied bushland and remote areas of Brisbane Waters National Park. From Patonga you will walk up the ridge and take a short side trip to enjoy the wonderful views from Warrah Lookout, before following a series of dirt roads and management trails to Patonga Creek in the heart of the national park. The walk then leads along a mix of trails and tracks mostly passing Mt Wondabyne, a worthwhile side trip, before crossing a few gullies with cool creeks and cascades. Past Myron Brook you will walk back down the waters edge at the remote and unique Wondabyne Train Station. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.5504173,151.2745435)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Ferry Special (There is no regular ferry service between Patonga and Brooklyn any more. You can easily grab a water taxi (about $80+). If you are part of a large group they can also organise a larger boat carrying 35 passengers (about $16 pp). Phone 0410 554 777 to book. Enjoy the boat ride.)
Directions	From Pacific Motorway, M1 Turn on to Wisemans Ferry Road Offramp then drive for 630 m Keep left onto Wisemans Ferry Road Offramp and drive for another 400 m Turn left and drive for another 90 m Turn left onto Central Coast Highway, A49 and drive for another 1.3 km Turn right and drive for another 55 m Turn slight left onto Woy Woy Road and drive for another 420 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Woy Woy Road and drive for another 9.6 km Turn right onto Railway Street and drive for another 580 m Turn right onto Hillview Street and drive for another 950 m Turn left onto Veron Road and drive for another 390 m Turn right onto Carpenter Street and drive for another 420 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Carpenter Street and drive for another 730 m Turn right onto Rabaul Avenue and drive for another 335 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Rabaul Avenue and drive for another 220 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Rabaul Avenue and drive for another 325 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Perth Street and drive for another 270 m Turn right onto Hobart Avenue and drive for another 1.1 km At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Mount Ettalong Road and drive for another 6.9 km
Finish	(-33.4921022,151.2569892)
Mode (end)	Train

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the car park at Patonga wharf, this walk follows the footpath beside Patonga Drive, keeping the water on the right. The road leads out of town passing beside 'Eve Williams Memorial Oval' for 70m to find a large 'The Great North Walk' sign opposite the toilet block. Soon after this sign, this walk turns right following the 'Boat Ramp' sign and GNW arrow post down along a side road for 220m to find a parking area beside Patonga's boat ramp. (Alternatively it is possible to walk along the sandy beach from the wharf to the boat ramp.)
From the boat ramp, this walk follows the power lines across the car park, keeping the water to the right. The walk heads around the gate and continues to follow the power lines across the sand, coming to the eastern end of Patonga Beach and the 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign. This area of the beach is also know as 'Dark Corner'.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Patonga Drive. There is an artwork (about 80 m back from the start). Patonga Village (about 5 m back from the start). Patonga Village Patonga Village is a lovely small township on the Hawkesbury River. Just near the ferry wharf are a few helpful facilities: The Eve Williams Memorial Oval, where you will find a large pavilion, drinking water and public toilets. A fish and chips shop (and general store) is open reasonable hours, where you can buy lunch, a coffee and basic supplies (fishing needs, milk, canned food). Patonga Beach Hotel is available for a cold drink at the bar or a meal on the deck, or even overnight accommodation (from $242 a couple) ph: 02 4379 1111. After another 5 m to find the car park. After another 15 m pass the sign (15 m on your left). After another 20 m pass the park (10 m on your right). After another 40 m pass the shelter (15 m on your left). After another 60 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your right). Continue straight, to head along Patonga Drive. After another 10 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).
	After another 10 m turn sharp right. After another 190 m continue straight. After another 50 m find the "Warrah Reserve boat ramp" (15 m on your left). Warrah Reserve boat ramp Warrah Reserve boat ramp provides a large car park and access to both the boat ramp and Patonga Beach. There are garbage bins, a picnic table and information board. The boat ramp offers good views along the beach to 'Dark Corner', found at the eastern end of Patonga Beach. After another 165 m head up the steps (about 15 m long)
	After another 430 m veer left. After another 55 m come to the viewpoint (25 m on your right). After another 45 m continue straight. After another 260 m find the "Broken Bay View" (30 m on your right). Broken Bay View Broken Bay View is an informal, unnamed and unfenced vantage point at the top of the cliffs, east of Patonga. The large rock platform has a number of large Sydney Red Gums, providing some shade. There are great views across the Hawkesbury River, along Cowan Creek and to West Head. The views to the left extend past Lion Island to Barrenjoey Head and out to the Pacific Ocean.
	After another 80 m continue straight, to head along Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Warrah Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 350 m (at the intersection of Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail & Tony Doyle Track) turn left, to head along Tony Doyle Track (a footpath). After another 30 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 300 m find the "Warrah Trig Station" (on your left). Warrah Trig Station Warrah Trig Station is part of a national geodetic survey established during the 1970's. The 'Triangulation station' (aka trigonometrical or trig station) is a distinct marker once clear of trees, and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. There are many such trig stations around Australia, which were used to help in surveying. Each station has a know position and altitude, which allows surveyors to use triangulation and determine another point's location. With advances in technology, these trig stations have been abandoned and superseded. The trig station is now surrounded by trees, with some filtered views along the Hawkesbury River. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring. After another 55 m pass the sign (5 m on your right). After another 90 m continue straight, to head along Warrah Trig Road.
	After another 1.1 km veer right.
	After another 235 m turn left.
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Patonga Drive & Warrah Patch Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail (a vehicle track). After another 20 m pass the "Waratah" (on your left). After another 6 m head through/around the gate.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Rest Area. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 100 m veer right, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail.
	After another 280 m (at the intersection of PMG Firetrail & Warrah Patch Firetrail) turn right, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail.
	After another 270 m (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Warrah Patch Firetrail) turn left, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 200 m turn right, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Sani Depot Trail & Van Dahls Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Van Dahls rest area. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 730 m continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail. After another 900 m continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 185 m (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Dillons Trail) veer left, to head along Dillons Trail (a walking track). After another 2 km come to the viewpoint (5 m on your right).
	After another 260 m (at the intersection of Dillons Firetrail & Dillons Trail) continue straight, to head along Dillons Trail.
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Dillons Trail) turn right, to head along Tunnel Trail (a vehicle track). After another 150 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Rocky Ponds Trail) continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
	After another 470 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Mount Wondabyne Trig Firetrail) turn left, to head along Mount Wondabyne Trig Firetrail. After another 760 m come to the "Mt Wondabyne Campsite". Mt Wondabyne Campsite This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne). After another 35 m come to the "Mt Wondabyne Campsite" (20 m on your left).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 50 m continue straight.
	After another 940 m turn right, to head along Mullet Creek Firetrail.
	After another 215 m turn left. After another 810 m continue straight, to head along Thommos Loop.
	After another 1.5 km veer left. After another 25 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right).
	After another 620 m veer left. After another 10 m find the "Kariong Brook Falls" (on your left). Kariong Brook Falls This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack. After another 10 m continue straight.
	After another 1.9 km turn left, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail. After another 20 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 610 m (at the intersection of Rifle Range Firetrail & Pindar Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
	After another 960 m continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail. After another 315 m head down the steps (about 30 m long)
	After another 130 m continue straight. After another 10 m turn right. About 65 m past the end is "Wondabyne". Wondabyne Wondabyne is situated in Brisbane Waters National Park on the banks of Mullet River, which feeds into the Hawkesbury River north of Brooklyn. The area is defined by the National Park's flora and fauna, the quarry, railway station and a few houses sitting above the water around the river. The quarry produced sandstone building materials, used in the construction of the National War Memorial in Canberra. More recently, in 2000, the quarry was re-opened for restoration of St Mary's Cathedral spire in Sydney. Wondabyne Station, named after the nearby Mt Wondabyne, was built in 1889 and exclusively used for the quarry - it was then known as Mullet Creek Station. The station is one of the smallest on the line and one of very few railway stations in a NSW National Park. When you catch the train to Wondabyne, let the guard know you want to get off at Wondabyne Station, otherwise the train will not stop. Travel in the last carriage as the platform is very short. To catch the train from Wondabyne, wave to the driver. The end.

An optional side trip to Warrah Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 40 m pass the sign (on your right).
	Continue another 30 m to find Warrah Lookout at the end. "Warrah Lookout". Warrah Lookout Warrah Lookout is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform. The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga. This is a great place to spend some time soaking up the views. "Warrah Lookout". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 70 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After 40 m pass the sign (on your right).

Continue another 30 m to find Warrah Lookout at the end.

"Warrah Lookout".

Warrah Lookout

Warrah Lookout is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform. The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga. This is a great place to spend some time soaking up the views.

"Warrah Lookout".

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 70 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Rest Area.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 85 m pass the "Waratah" (145 m on your left).
	After another 115 m come to the end. "Patonga rest area". Patonga rest area This small campsite is a signposted rest area, and is about 200m off the Great North Walk, just north of Patonga Drive. The campsite is a small, sandy clearing, with no facilities and no water, but it is sheltered by trees. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 200 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Van Dahls rest area.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 150 m come to the end. "Van Dahls rest area". Van Dahls rest area The Van Dahls campsite is unsignposted and sits beside a small intermittent creek that flows over a rock platform. The water should be treated before use, and is not reliable all year round. There are no facilities at the campsite, but is a a very pleasant flat area in a mostly open valley. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 150 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After another 150 m come to the end.

"Van Dahls rest area".

Van Dahls rest area

The Van Dahls campsite is unsignposted and sits beside a small intermittent creek that flows over a rock platform. The water should be treated before use, and is not reliable all year round. There are no facilities at the campsite, but is a a very pleasant flat area in a mostly open valley.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 150 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 50 m find the "Mt Wondabyne Campsite" (100 m on your right). Mt Wondabyne Campsite This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne). After another 145 m find the "Mt Wondabyne" (5 m on your left). Mt Wondabyne Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.
	After another 20 m come to the end. "Mount Wondabyne". A viewpoint. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After 50 m find the "Mt Wondabyne Campsite" (100 m on your right).

Mt Wondabyne Campsite

This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne).

After another 145 m find the "Mt Wondabyne" (5 m on your left).

Mt Wondabyne

Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

After another 20 m come to the end.

"Mount Wondabyne".

A viewpoint.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Great North Walk: Patonga to Wondabyne Station via Mt Wondabyne

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	19.2 km
Time	7 h to 7 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There are 4 on route, on average they are 4.1 km apart with the largest gap of 8.2 km.

Shelter: There is one 95 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one 125 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	95 m	[shelter]
Toilet	125 m	[toilet]
Campsite	3.7 km + 380 m	Patonga rest area
Campsite	6.3 km + 170 m	Van Dahls rest area
Campsite	11 km	Mt Wondabyne Campsite
Camp site	11.1 km	Mt Wondabyne Campsite

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Broken Bay View
Broken Bay View is an informal, unnamed and unfenced vantage point at the top of the cliffs, east of Patonga. The large rock platform has a number of large Sydney Red Gums, providing some shade. There are great views across the Hawkesbury River, along Cowan Creek and to West Head. The views to the left extend past Lion Island to Barrenjoey Head and out to the Pacific Ocean.

Warrah Lookout
Warrah Lookout is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform. The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga. This is a great place to spend some time soaking up the views.

Warrah Trig Station
Warrah Trig Station is part of a national geodetic survey established during the 1970's. The 'Triangulation station' (aka trigonometrical or trig station) is a distinct marker once clear of trees, and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. There are many such trig stations around Australia, which were used to help in surveying. Each station has a know position and altitude, which allows surveyors to use triangulation and determine another point's location. With advances in technology, these trig stations have been abandoned and superseded. The trig station is now surrounded by trees, with some filtered views along the Hawkesbury River. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring.

Patonga rest area
This small campsite is a signposted rest area, and is about 200m off the Great North Walk, just north of Patonga Drive. The campsite is a small, sandy clearing, with no facilities and no water, but it is sheltered by trees.

Van Dahls rest area
The Van Dahls campsite is unsignposted and sits beside a small intermittent creek that flows over a rock platform. The water should be treated before use, and is not reliable all year round. There are no facilities at the campsite, but is a a very pleasant flat area in a mostly open valley.

Mt Wondabyne Campsite
This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne).

Mt Wondabyne
Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

Kariong Brook Falls
This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.

Wondabyne
Wondabyne is situated in Brisbane Waters National Park on the banks of Mullet River, which feeds into the Hawkesbury River north of Brooklyn. The area is defined by the National Park's flora and fauna, the quarry, railway station and a few houses sitting above the water around the river. The quarry produced sandstone building materials, used in the construction of the National War Memorial in Canberra. More recently, in 2000, the quarry was re-opened for restoration of St Mary's Cathedral spire in Sydney. Wondabyne Station, named after the nearby Mt Wondabyne, was built in 1889 and exclusively used for the quarry - it was then known as Mullet Creek Station. The station is one of the smallest on the line and one of very few railway stations in a NSW National Park. When you catch the train to Wondabyne, let the guard know you want to get off at Wondabyne Station, otherwise the train will not stop. Travel in the last carriage as the platform is very short. To catch the train from Wondabyne, wave to the driver.

Get more information
Wildwalks
Videos

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Woy Woy Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Saturday 27 July
  
  18°C
  Showers.
  90% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers, becoming less likely in the late afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the late afternoon. Daytime maximum temperatures between 15 and 19.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 10:40am to 1:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Sunday 28 July
  
  6°C → 15°C
  Sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Snow possible above 1000 metres. Winds westerly 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 11 and 16.
  
  Monday 29 July
  
  5°C → 15°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Areas of morning frost about the Upper Hunter. Medium chance of showers along the coastal fringe, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending south to southwesterly during the day then tending west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 1 and 5 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 12 and 16.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Tuesday 30 July
  
  4°C → 15°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Areas of morning frost about the Upper Hunter. Medium chance of showers near the coast, near zero chance elsewhere. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending south to southwesterly during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 1 and 5 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 12 and 16.
  
  Wednesday 31 July
  
  5°C → 16°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Thursday 1 August
  
  6°C → 16°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Friday 2 August
  
  7°C → 17°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Brisbane Water National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Brieses fire trail partial closure
  The section of Brieses fire trail between Mooney Mooney Creek and Old Mooney Dam trail is closed until further notice due to a landslip, making it unsafe for vehicles.
  Signs are in place around closed areas. This area will re-open as soon as it is safe and repair works have been completed.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4320 4200.
  
  Closed areas: Warrah Trig Road closed to vehicles
  Warrah Trig Road is closed to vehicles due to a recent increase in illegal activities throughout the area.
  The road will remain closed until investigations are completed and further recommendations are made.
  The road is open to pedestrians and cyclists.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

Weather Forecast

Alerts